unfriendly salutation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfriendly salutation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a greeting that is not warm or welcoming, often conveying a sense of hostility or indifference. Example: "His email began with an unfriendly salutation that set the tone for the entire conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a salutation".

The Guardian

That was decidedly unfriendly.

The New York Times

A military salutation [graphic].

Yale University

They are not unfriendly.

The New York Times

It's quite unfriendly".

The Guardian

His opening salutation telegraphed trouble.

The New York Times

By way of salutation. 1.

The New York Times

Salutation is omitted (no "Dear Sir").

The New Yorker

"Hey," Bobby Kennedy said, in salutation.

The New Yorker

LONDON — Stubborn, domineering, downright unfriendly.

The New York Times

Unfriendly journalists' phones were bugged.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey a formal but negative sentiment, "unfriendly salutation" can effectively set a specific tone. Consider using it when detailing the initial interaction in scenarios where relationships are strained or professional boundaries are rigidly enforced. For example: 'The email opened with an "unfriendly salutation", immediately signaling the writer's discontent.'

Common error

Avoid using "unfriendly salutation" in casual or informal writing. Its formality can seem out of place and overly dramatic in everyday conversation or correspondence. Opt for simpler, more direct language to express a lack of warmth.

Linguistic Context

Unfriendly salutation functions as a descriptive phrase, combining an adjective ("unfriendly") with a noun ("salutation") to characterize the nature of a greeting. Although Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct, its usage seems to be infrequent.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

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Encyclopedias

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfriendly salutation" is grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, but notably uncommon in contemporary usage. It serves to describe a greeting that lacks warmth or conveys hostility, suitable for formal or neutral contexts like news reporting, rather than casual conversation. While it effectively sets a specific tone, writers should be mindful of its relative formality and consider alternatives like "cold greeting" or "hostile greeting" for different nuances. Due to its infrequent use, mastering this phrase contributes more to precision than fluency in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cold greeting

Focuses on the lack of warmth in the greeting, highlighting its emotional distance.

hostile greeting

Emphasizes the antagonistic nature of the greeting, suggesting animosity.

unwelcoming greeting

Highlights that the greeting does not make the recipient feel accepted or comfortable.

chilly reception

Implies a formal but unenthusiastic greeting, often in a professional context.

distant greeting

Indicates a lack of emotional connection and personal engagement in the greeting.

curt greeting

Suggests the greeting was brief and abrupt, lacking in politeness.

icy greeting

Similar to 'cold greeting', but with a stronger implication of bitterness or dislike.

awkward greeting

Focuses on the uncomfortable or clumsy nature of the greeting.

ungracious greeting

Highlights a lack of politeness and consideration in the greeting.

unpleasant greeting

General term for a greeting that leaves a negative impression.

FAQs

How can I use "unfriendly salutation" in a sentence?

You can use "unfriendly salutation" to describe a greeting that lacks warmth or expresses hostility. For example: "His email began with an "unfriendly salutation" that set a negative tone for the entire exchange."

What are some alternatives to "unfriendly salutation"?

Alternatives include "cold greeting", "hostile greeting", or "unwelcoming greeting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unfriendly salutation" a formal expression?

Yes, "unfriendly salutation" is relatively formal and is best suited for professional or serious contexts where a lack of warmth or outright hostility is notable.

What kind of tone does "unfriendly salutation" convey?

The phrase conveys a tone of coldness, distance, or even animosity. It signals that the person giving the salutation is not welcoming or friendly.